Aug 31, 2015

Awesome Monday...

Either you run the day or the day runs you.
Today is going to be AWESOME...

Erika? Erika who?  Yep! That's the impact Erika left on us.  Happy of course that nothing
happened, but believe me with all the hype that was going on on the news you would have 
thought we were about to be wiped out, but as you know all's good that ends good.


My Sunday was perfect. Woke up late (8 am).  Felt good to sleep in and just relax on the bed
 with Brutus.  Had already started cleaning the day before in preparation for Liliana's
 visit so there was mot much that needed to be done.  A couple hours 
of additional cleaning and I was ready for Liliana.

Not wanting to take the chance that we may lose power today, I had already started 
preparing some of the food, so all I had left to do today was make the 
salad and add fresh vegetables to the the scampi pasta.


The wine was chilled the glasses sparkling all that was left was for Liliana to arrive.  
She likes her wine with ice so there is always lots of ice waiting for her.  
She knows her way around our kitchen so she always helps herself.  
There are not many we allow to do this, but she yes.

Long time ago I created a Facebook account for her.  To this day I think Brutus and
 I are her only friends.  She says she likes to just check out the pictures, but does
 not wish to take an active part in friending more people.  As always I give 
her a few tips on how to do things on her iPad.  It's fairly new for her.

She stayed over close to 4 hours.  The most ever and it was nice.  I like company, 
but I don't think company needs to stay longer than that.  Both Arvid and I agree that
 this is a good enough time.  When we visit we also never stay longer than 4 hours at any
 one's place.  Correction.  We have stayed much longer than that at my parents' place.


Good morning all.  Monday morning already.  Time to get motivated.  Missing Arvid, but
 the nice thing about being apart is that he calls me quite often during the day and we 
actually get to "spend" more quality time than ever.  Feels good to being missed so much.
Of course we miss him as well and can't wait to go back home with him.  Soon.

It's the imperfections that make things beautiful...

~Nadiya~

Aug 30, 2015

Sunday...

Bad weather always looks worse through a window...

Though the day started pretty OK yesterday, it did not last long.  The rain came in buckets. 
 If you know Florida you know it rains like crazy for about 5-10 minutes.  It then takes a 
short break and then does the same again.  It did that continuously throughout the day.


I went into Publix to get a few things I needed for lunch for Liliana and I.  The sun
was not shining, but it was not raining as yet.  I was there for less than 20 minutes.  When 
I came out with my groceries the sky was black and the rain just kept pelting down.


Luckily I had an umbrella.  I bagged my handbag in a plastic bag, took my shoes off
and hightailed it to the car in the pouring rain.  The umbrella kept me fairly dry, but 
sadly it is no longer any good.  The wind blew it apart.  That's me in the car with
 just a little bit of wet clothing.  At least my phone was dry as was my handbag
 and everything in it.  Did not matter that I took a soaking.  Still happy.

Yesterday I treated myself to Indian food.  I was lucky to go there at the exact time
the buffet was going on.  Delicious and I got to try all of my favorite dishes.


Arvid does not really care for this food.  Too spicy he says.  I can't eat it everyday either,
but once in a while it sure hits the spot.  Who know I may go back before heading to Chicago.

The days are so quiet when you are alone.  Today I will just relax and enjoy Liliana's
company.  Have not seen her since we left for Norway.  Will be nice to catch up and have 
some girl talk.  Made lunch for us at home and hopefully taking her out during the week.
She says she has never been to Kaluz.  Maybe that will be where we go if the weather permits.


The wind is howling outside.  Brutus was laying really close to me last night as you can
see from the above picture.  He was just being too adorable.  As if he weren't that already.

Happy Sunday everyone.  Here it is going to be a very windy and wet one.
Indoors it is and what better than the company of a good friend?

Bad weather?  Good wine...

~Nadiya~

Aug 29, 2015

Waiting For Erika...

Disasters happen. We still have no way to eliminate earthquakes, wildfires, hurricanes,
 floods or droughts. We cope as best we can by fortifying ourselves against danger
 with building codes and levees, and by setting aside money to clean up afterwards...

To be exact, hurricane season begins May 15th and ends November 30th. That is,
the Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season.  Florida of course falls there. 
 I came back home to Florida to take Brutus with me to Chicago.  

First thing I had to do was take Brutus to the vet.  Blood work and another culture to see 
why it is that his paw keeps flaring up even when he's taking his medication.  Both
  Arvid and  I know that the reason it acts up so much is that he misses her and gets 
very stressed too much when we are gone.  Solution +don't go anywhere?


Brutus is a true trooper.  He acts like as if everything was OK.  Runs, plays
just as if he was not hurting, but every so often we see him limping a little.

To complicate matters we are expecting our first Tropical Storm, maybe Hurricane for 
the season.  Tropical Storm is wreaking havoc in the Caribbean, killing at least 20 people
 and leaving another 31 missing on the small eastern Caribbean island of Dominica.

So far, it as been even hotter than normal here.  It has rained everyday since I have been 
here, except for today.  No rain so far.  No winds either.  Looks fairly calm out there. 
 Yesterday the sky was BLACK and the rain came in torrents.  Was interesting to see.


Nothing to do but sit back relax and make the most of it.  Brutus and I bonded and 
he cuddled up with me while I read and also during the night in bed.  Loved it.


I went to the grocery store yesterday without thinking about Tropical Storm Erika.  Well
when i got there, you would think that Erika had already been there.  There were no grocery carts. 
To me it seemed as if everyone who lived in Fort Lauderdale was there.  There was no water left.
Most of the food isles were empty.  Yeah.  This is typical hurricane panic, and I don't even think we
will be getting much of it except of lots of rain.  OH well better to be prepared.  The day here is 
so far looking good.  I plan to go to the mall and maybe out to lunch and hopefully the movies.


Everything good here so far.  Hopefully it will just pass us without making too much 
of a mess.  Saturday.  Feels strange without Arvid.  Very quiet. Not bad just strange. To all
 a very good day and for those in the path of Erika, be careful.  You never know what can happen.

Simple Saturday.  
Everyday shines when we let our positive attitude shine through...

~Nadiya~

Aug 28, 2015

Something Good Always...

Smiling is definitely one of the best beauty remedies. 
If you have a good sense of humor and a good approach to life, that's beautiful...



The thing about humor is that no matter how your day is going, it always makes you
stop and smile.  Sometimes it makes you just laugh.  Now how bad can that be for a person?

I have so many things to think about, least of all is the fact that Brutus is not well.
Well the paw is still not good.  Not according to the pictures I got from Liliana and Wendy,
but then I read something like this and for a brief moment I just have to sit back and smile.  Funny.


Hope everyone has a good day.  Always remember that taking a few minutes everyday for 
yourself, does not matter what you do: is always good.  I like to relax with a cup of 
tea or coffee, read a little of the "nonsense" magazine and some of the funny
 stuff sent by friends.  Makes for a nice break in between life's daily stresses
 and craziness.  Sure helps to get one through the rest of the day.


Hello all.  Let's start the day right.  Whatever works for you is always best.

My legacy would be that you don't have to give up anything. You can be chic but have 
a sense of humor, you can be sexy but comfortable, you can be timeless but fresh...

~Nadiya~

Aug 26, 2015

Funny Quotes...

It is a good thing for an uneducated man to read books of quotations...


As you all know I love using quotes for my blog.  Makes it fun and interesting.  Have been
 seeing quotes of the minions all over the place and every time it leaves me smiling.
  Hope it does the same for you.  Have not seen the movie, but heard all
 about it from my nieces and nephews.  Maybe will see it soon.


Another of my favorite is Grumpy Cat.  All I will say is that you have to have a sense
of humor to appreciate him.  Luckily I do and he is hilarious.  Still laughing.

In my breaks I take a few moments to catch up on the local celebrity gossip. 
Easy relaxation and does not require any work from the brain.  Yep, easy easy.


It is already Wednesday.  Halfway through the week.  Time sure is flying.
To all a good day.  Don't forget to dream as if you will live forever; live as if you will die today.

The past is behind, learn from it. The future is ahead,
 prepare for it. The present is here, live it...

~Nadiya~

Aug 25, 2015

Tuesday ...

Life is good and it gets better every day...

Good morning all.  Another beautiful day begins and also many things to do.  Here 
in Chicago the temperature is cooler than Florida right now.  Both Arvid and I are
 really loving it.  At nights we do not need to turn on the AC.  It is cold enough 
and for once I am not hot.  I am very comfortable in these cooler temperatures.  


We are really making the most of the pool and the hot tub.  Yesterday I had a good
 time swimming and then warming up in the hot tub.  Perfect so far.  Life is good.

The city holds its charm over us.  As you can see from the pictures below we have beautiful
scenery as we walk home.  No matter where you go in the city, the skyline is always an
amazing backdrop.  I just can't seem to get enough of it.  Both Arvid and I look at
 each other and say "this is a beautiful city."  So happy we are back. 


The sidewalks are lines with huge flower pots and all are blooming in bright colors.


There is a lot to do.  Today we take a trip to Home Depot.  We do a lot of walking and that's
 good, but on the way back it is taxi.  Not much fun walking 45 minutes with heavy stuff to 
carry.  Nope not a good idea.  The temperature is cooler today makes for good walking.

And so begins our Tuesday.  Let's get started for there is lots we need to do.

A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and 
realize how blessed you are for what you have...

~Nadiya~

Aug 24, 2015

Monday..

It's Monday.  Time to take over the world...

Brutus already has his spot waiting for him.  Yep!  his sunbed is in place and
he will be enjoying beautiful city views here in Chicago with us.


My morning coffee view is a little different from home in Florida.


Happy to be able to enjoy both views.  Love Chicago, but missing Brutus.
It will not be complete without him.  It is not home until all 3 of us are together.

Many thing to do today.  Still lots of unpacking and organizing need to be done.
Not having a car in Chicago is OK with us, but when you have to buy stuff from Home 
Depot, Bed Bath and Beyond and other stores makes for a little more work.  Taxi's work fine.

Chicago is a walking city.  We have already switched to our back backs and walking
 shoes.   The building we live in has an amazing gym, sauna and overlooks the pool
 area.  Hope to be using it once we settle in.  Maybe can lose a few pounds.


Happy Monday all.  Life is short smile while you still have teeth.

To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work.
I believe awesome things will happen,  because it's Monday...

~Nadiya~

Aug 23, 2015

Good Times In Chicago...

I feel like I’ve been split open and stuffed with sunshine...

So far we have been doing pretty OK.  Of course like with everything we have had a few
set backs. Have not had Internet connection now for 4 days.  Seems like there is
a problem with something. Just our luck. Something that should
 be so easy has somehow turned into a huge issue.


As Arvid would say, "nothing we can do so why not get drunk?"  
And so began our music filled weekend. 


To our delight, our friend Albert from Florida was playing at one of our frequented spots.  
Of course we had to go and see him.  Truth is Arvid has been keeping tabs on Albert 
in Chicago for a few months now.  As he said, "we are going to see him."


And we did   Was a good time and the music as always was great.  According to Arvid, 
Albert plays even better in Chicago than he does in Florida.  Guess you can say we 
are biased.  We love the city and everything about it.

Sunday.  Short calls to family in Norway.  Hopefully by this week we will have everything 
in order and get back to "normal" Not liking this no wifi in the apartment, but in a way 
it was our fault.  We bought the wrong modem.  The one we need will soon be here.


Happy Sunday all.  It is another good day for the hot tub and pool. 

Never let the things you want make you forget the things you have.
  Happy Sunday all...

~Nadiya~

Aug 22, 2015

Picture Of The Day...

Happy people have two things in common. They know exactly what they want 
and they feel they're moving toward getting it. That's what makes life feel good: 
when it has direction, when you are heading straight for what you love...

It just feels right to be here.  We belong here in the summertime.


This is our kind of city.  So much going on.  Big difference between Arvid's
hometown in Horten, Norway and also from Fort Lauderdale.
Love them both, Chicago and Fort Lauderdale.



Two cities we have the pleasure of calling home.



Arvid and I are home.  Soon Brutus will be with us as well.
To all a very good day, and may you also live in interesting times.

The Splendor of Beauty;
For Yesterday is but a Dream,
And To-morrow is only a Vision;
But To-day well lived makes 
Every Yesterday a Dream of Happiness,
And every Tomorrow a Vision of Hope.
Look well therefore to this Day!
Such is the Salutation of the Dawn!...


~Nadiya~

Aug 21, 2015

Back In The Windy City...

I adore Chicago.  It is the pulse of America...

It's like coming home.  I have lived in NYC and I have lived in California, and love both.
We now live in Florida, but the city that has stolen my heart is and always will be Chicago.



Somehow it brings out the "craziness" in us.  It's as if everyday was a vacation. 
 Even when we lived there during the summer.  Magical if you ask me.


Being on vacation and never knowing what day of the week it is.
Here in Chicago it's all about music, good food, outings in the park and long walks.


Yes there is a beach in Chicago.  In the middle of all the tall buildings.
It's where city meets sand and palm trees.  Looks like a tropical paradise.


Yes, if I could live here all year long I definitely would.
For now we have a glorious month to do what we do best, having a good time!!!



Hello everyone, greetings from The Windy City...CHICAGO

I have two homes, like someone who leaves their hometown
and or parents and then establishes a life somewhere else.
They might say that they are going home when they return to see old friends
or parents, but then they go home as well when they go to where they live now.

Florida is home.  Chicago is also home....

~Nadiya~

Aug 20, 2015

Our Destination..

You can take the girl out of Chicago, 
but you can't take the Chicago out of the girl...

Today is the last day on the road.  YAY!  Can almost feel the excitement among us.


We are going back to the city we both love.  Sweet Home Chicago.

Believe it or not one of the things both Arvid and I look forward to the most is the


hot tub and the swimming pool.  This afternoon we will be in in it.  Can't wait.
On the road again so time to say until next time.  Good day to all and make it count.

Home is wherever I am with you and Brutus...

~Nadiya~

Aug 19, 2015

Wednesday...Scenic Road Trip

Sometimes the most scenic roads in life are the detours you didn't mean to take...

Our road trip takes us through Georgia.  Beautiful State as seen by the picture below.


 Since so many Native American’s settled in Georgia’s mountains, a surplus of historical 
sites are scattered across the rolling hills and rippling waterways of the Historic
 High Country. Immerse yourself in the history and enjoy the legacies.

There is something in every state of the United States to see.  This is a beautiful country 
and I will never tire of saying how lucky I am to be an American, and to be living 
in the best country in the entire world.  Won't trade it for a thing.  No sirree.


Above is downtown Atlanta at night.  Every city looks awesome at night. Daytime 
can be another story, but for now the sights are magnificent.  I love road trips
 because we get to see so much more.  We can also stop and check out if 
something catches our eye.  Of course depends on how Arvid feels.

We have many more states to pass by before we get to our destination, but for now 
these are the ones we drove through.  By the end of the first day we were exhausted.
10 hours driving a fairly big truck can sometimes get stressful.  Al least for me.



Well rested and so begins another day day on the road.
As someone said, "I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on my way."
In our case we definitely know where we are going.

To all a very good day and until next time.

Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller...
~Nadiya~

Aug 18, 2015

On The Road Again...

Woah, all I want is on the road again.  Just can't wait to get on the road again
The life I love is makin' music with my friends, 
And I can't wait to get on the road again..



Quoting Willie Nelson.  Seems like our life is constantly on the road again.
I like it.  Arvid likes it, but sometimes it can be a little too much.



Truck is loaded up and we are ready to go.  I feel just like a gypsy.  Always moving, 
never in one spot.  I keep telling myself that one day we will "settle" down.


Let's do it.  AGAIN!!!!
Good morning world.  Wishing you a fabulous day.

We can’t know what’s going to happen. 
We can just try to figure it out as we go along...

~Nadiya~

Aug 17, 2015

Monday Again...

I think Sunday should be 48 hours instead of the usual 24, 
so we have more time to prepare for MONDAY...

Though we were on the go all of yesterday, we still made time to have our Sunday outing.  
Peaceful, quiet and just the two of us.  As Arvid says, "the best times."  Since coming 
back from Norway we have not been able to visit any of our favorite places.


Yesterday we did.  We had lunch at Kaluz.  Water views, boats passing by was just the
 perfect setting to sit back, relax and spend a few hours just doing nothing.

Today another busy day awaits us.  Combined with my feet hurting like crazy,
I can only imagine how torturous it will be.  I have heel problems and can't seem to find
the right shoes.  Been at a place called The Walking Company and bought me some shoes.


Unattractive as hell, but if they will help then I don't care.  Right now I need comfort.
Right now the flip flops I bought hurts my feet even more.   I tried to return it, but the
 manager said it was store policy to not accept used shoes.  I of course said, 
"then it is about time you start thinking of changing that policy."  
as you can imagine it was downhill after that for me.

Good morning everyone.  Monday again so let's get rolling.

Have you ever had one of those days when you're holding a stick
 and everyone looks like a pinata?....

~Nadiya~

Aug 16, 2015

Sunday...

I am somewhat exhausted; 
I wonder how a battery feels when it pours electricity into a non-conductor..

One word EXHAUSTED!


This technically sums up our day.  We have been on the go and we are tired.
Tomorrow is another hectic day so hopefully will get some good rest tonight and 
be refreshed for another day of crazy.  Yes. our life is not "normal" sometimes.  

Despite the tiredness we have had a very productive day and hope you have also. Today is
 my sister Nirmala (Mala's) birthday.  For me they are all my little sisters and in my heart
  I always feel the need to protect them.  Mala like the others has a special  place in my heart.


Happy Sunday all and may the coming week be a great one.

As I grew up, one of my strongest allies has been my sister.

~Nadiya~

Aug 15, 2015

Too Early...

Legend says, when you can't sleep at night 
it's because you're awake in someone else's dreams...

With that thought in mind, I guess I must be awake in someone else's dreams for the last 4 nights. 
 I wish it would stop because I am so very tired, but even so I cannot sleep.  Have been
 awake since 1:30 am, but did not get out of bed until around 4 am at which time I
 gave Brutus his pill.  Made myself a cup of cafe (way too early), and gave
 Brutus a good brushing and some catnip. He was very happy.


With all the things we have to do today, this is definitely not a good start.  I will be 
tired by the time Arvid wakes up.  Wish I could sleep like I used to do a few years back.
I was like my dad, would just sleep and not be disturbed by anything.  How things change.


I figured since I am already awake I may as well catch up with the local "news."
Little lightning right now, but otherwise very nice; already very warm.   For me too warm.
Yesterday we did make it to Chuck's.  I still  prefer J Alexander's much better than Chuck's.

It is close to 5:30 am already.  Brutus back in bed with Arvid.  I will try to do the same.
Or maybe I will read a little and see what happens.  Wish I could sleep right now.
Good morning all.  Saturday morning and for us it is going to be a BUSY day.


We're all busy little bees, full of stings, 
making honey day and night, aren't we honey?...

~Nadiya~

Aug 14, 2015

Friday...

It's Friday.  Remember, that bad decisions = the best stories

Already Friday and still a lot to do, but Arvid and I promised each other that we will slow
 it down a bit and have a relaxed time this evening.  Most likely we will be home with Brutus 
just relaxing.  Right now it sounds perfect and can't wait to just sit and really do NOTHING!!!


Arvid and I discovered a new place to eat right before we left for Norway.  The place 
is actually 5 minutes from us, and before I met Arvid I used to go there often.  It's Chuck's
Steakhouse and it has now become one of Arvid's favorite restaurants.  We hope to go there today.


The Bearnaise sauce is excellent and their salad bar very fresh and inviting.

Love being home and with Brutus.  His paw is still not so good.  He is on daily meds; 
two times a day.  As you can imagine, he sees me and he takes off like a bat out of hell.

Time to get busy and get as much done as possible if I want to have some relax time this
evening.  Simple things, but boy they are the things I look forward to the most in life.


It is the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary...

~Nadiya~